Northumberland Zoo is a major animal attraction and wildlife conservation charity in the Northeast of England. With the addition of numerous brand-new exhibits in the past few years, our future is looking bright with ambitious plans for expansion, including several new species in the first phase in Spring 2027. We are looking for a like-minded team player to join our team; you must be willing to adopt our Zoo ethos and join our mission in conservation, education & sustainability to inspire positive change.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Animal Keeper to join our Herbivores team. The animal department is currently split into two teams each with 4 sections and the imminent arrival of new species as part of our ambitious expansion. We are looking for a keeper to work with a range of species including small primates such as lemurs, saki monkeys and callitrichids, specialist nocturnal mammals such as fruit bats, sloth, naked mole rats and Malagasy jumping rats, a small collection of herptiles and rodents such as capybara, agouti our harvest mouse reintroduction programme. You will work alongside the animal team to ensure the highest possible standards of animal husbandry, including behavioural and environmental enrichment and animal training programmes. You will be responsible for the development of animal exhibits to promote natural behaviour and top-quality presentation, also, educational opportunities for zoo visitors in line with the zoo’s missions of conservation, education and sustainability.

Main Duties & Job Responsibilities

• Day to day husbandry routines for various species including health and welfare monitoring
• Researching and implementing behavioural and environmental enrichment opportunities for various species
• Refurbishing and maintaining exhibits with species specific suitability in mind to promote natural behaviour and ensuring high standards of presentation for zoo visitors
• Strict adherence to risk assessments, bio security and safe working practices.
• Taking ownership for the presentation of the wider zoo site by maintaining high standards of presentation with a positive attitude and professional manner
• Carrying out animal experiences, talks, displays and occasionally assisting the education department in planning and carrying out education session to school groups and visitors ensuring the zoos mission messages are being delivered. This may also include zoo events

Skills and Experience

• At least 2 years of employment working with animals in a zoological environment. Experience working with primates, nocturnal mammals and rodents would be desirable.
• Be qualified in an appropriate captive wild animal husbandry, biological or conservation discipline
• Must have high animal welfare standards with regards to the care and daily husbandry routines
• Experience implementing animal enrichment programmes with behavioural output in mind
• Have great observational skills when working with the animals in the park, understanding animal behaviour and the ability to keep accurate records relating to animal welfare
• Be confident in presenting engaging, educational messages to audiences

General

• Full driver’s license and access to vehicle required due to rural setting of zoo
• Have great team working and communication skills and adaptability to suit the needs of the role
• Be able to work effectively and with minimum supervision within a timely manner
• Have strong interpersonal skills and be confident to interact with the public
• Be physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weathers
• Take responsibility for own personal development, seeking out opportunities to learn new skills

Perks

• 40 hrs per week across 5 days, includes weekends and bank holidays
• 28 days holiday per annum (includes Bank Holidays) increasing by 1 day each year after 12 months employment to a maximum of 33 days
• Enrolment in pension scheme with employer contributions of 3%
• £5 daily food allowance in the zoo café and discount in zoo shop
• Complimentary Zoo admission tickets for family and friends

Please mention Jobs With Animals when applying for this role.

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